News and views on autism research and other musings. Sometimes uncomfortable but rooted in peer-reviewed scientific research.

Thursday, 20 July 2017

Is gluten avoidance linked to a lower risk for depression?

I've talked a few times on this blog about how avoiding dietary gluten both within (see here) and outside of (see here) the context of coeliac (celiac) disease, the archetypal 'gluten is baddie' autoimmune condition, might have some pretty interesting effects on some aspects of a person's psychology. Today's post reflects yet more peer-reviewed science suggesting that there may indeed be something to see in this potentially important area; particularly pertinent to the presentation of depression or depressive symptoms.

So, the findings reported by Haley Zylberberg and colleagues [1] based on data from some 22,000 participants taking part in the US 2009-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey are the source material today. Some background material related to this cohort can be found here. They specifically looked at the "prevalence of depression, insomnia, quality-of-life variables, and psychotropic medication use in CD [coeliac disease] participants and PWAGs [people who avoid gluten] to controls." People who avoid gluten - PWAG - represent a group who don't have a diagnosis of CD but nonetheless similar to those who were diagnosed with CD, reported avoiding dietary gluten.

Results: "Depression was present in 8.2% of controls compared with 3.9% of participants with CD... and 2.9% of PWAGs." Even after adjustment for various confounding variables ("age, sex, race, income, and access to healthcare") those gluten avoiders (without CD) less frequently presented with depression compared with data from controls.

Added to the previous occasions where gluten consumption seems either to be linked to [some] depression or removal of gluten seems to positively impact on depressive symptoms at least for some, this is interesting work. Yes, quite a few more controlled trials are required to examine such relationships between food and mood. Although we can speculate on possible mechanisms [2] we don't really know why there may be an effect from gluten removal, but this is an emerging area of science; particularly in the context of how disruptive/disabling/damaging depression can be to someone.

Bearing in mind the caveats of this blog - no medical or clinical advice is given or intended - please don't assume that I'm advocating gluten removal for anything (unless clinically indicated) on the basis of this or other posts. If in doubt, consult your medical physician.

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[1] Zylberberg HM. et al. Depression and insomnia among individuals with celiac disease or on a gluten-free diet in the USA: results from a national survey. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Jun 27.

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Questioning Answers

About Me

I have been involved in autism research for more years than I care to remember. My Questioning Answers blog (http://questioning-answers.blogspot.com/) is a place to describe and discuss various research into autism spectrum and related conditions. My Gutness Gracious Me blog (http://gutness-gracious-me.blogspot.com/) is for discussions on various gastrointestinal research. I make no recommendations, I am not giving any medical advice, I am not formulating any specific opinions and do not want to get into any ethical, political or religious debates. I am not trying to change anyone's opinions, views, beliefs or anything else. These are purely blogs about science and research in autism and a few other interesting things. Any posts I make are my own opinions and not reflective of any organisation I am affiliated to. Keep in mind that science deals with probabilities not absolutes.

ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITIONS

Autism or autism spectrum conditions describe several presentations characterised by core issues with social affect and stereotyped or repetitive actions. Diagnosis is made by observation and analysis of developmental history. These are heterogeneous conditions which can carry various co-morbidities and whilst described as life-long are affected by age and maturation. Autism means different things to different people. To some it means a need for life-long support. To others it is part of the varied tapestry of humanity. To all it means a need to foster a welcoming society with appropriate support and opportunities.